Rachel Corrie was a central organizer of the first-ever Procession of the Species peace doves in 2002. (Photo by Eli Sterling)

by Max Brown

Controversies and conflicts are important tests of principle. Nowhere is this more apparent than the polarization and scandal swirling around Eli Sterling, "founding father" of Olympia's Procession of the Species. As the City of Olympia announces that it may pursue criminal charges against Eli for procuring city funds under false pretenses, we are just beginning to find out details of this complicated, and ethically challenging, story.

Portraying the Firebird, Eli Sterling speaks of the journey of the Wind, Firebird and Moon as Solstice Dancers circle him while performing the Dances of the Elements during a Winter Solstice Celebration at The Capitol Theater. (Printed with permission. Photo by Steve Bloom/The Olympian)